Dr. Yongping Zhai, Technical Advisor (Energy), Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Mr. David Elzinga, Senior Energy Specialist, ADB, advised the Government of Sri Lanka to keep their options open in securing the country's energy future. Reiterating ADB's support for Sri Lanka's energy security, Dr. Zhai urged the country to opt for renewables over coal to fast-track its commitment to the Paris agreement.

The Government of India signed an agreement to build two liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Government of Japan. These were approved by the Government of Sri Lanka, along with an LNG project by the People's Republic of China. In total, the three LNG power plants will generate up to 1,400 megawatts.

India has formed the India-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce (IMCC) in Yangon to increase trade between the two countries, which currently stands at around $2 billion. IMCC will focus on helping Indian business invest in Myanmar and vice versa.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $20 million for the SASEC Power System Expansion Project in Nepal, to be provided by the ADB Strategic Climate Fund. This additional financing will support installation of utility-scale solar photovoltaic systems by 2018. The Government of Nepal is also providing complementary funding of $24.5 million.

The Government of Maldives invited Sri Lankan businesses to invest in the archipelago, and bid for projects in airport development, housing, hospitals and renewable energy. Maldivian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Zahiya Zareer emphasized the need for Maldives and Sri Lanka to build more commercial ties.

Regional trade in power could save India from having to invest in 35,000 megawatts in coal-fire facilities, estimated at $26 billion, over the next 25 years. Through energy trade with Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Nepal, India could benefit from reduced fuel costs and a 6.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Bangladesh is reviewing targets for its renewable energy program to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources of Bangladesh said the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority aims to increase share of energy coming from renewable resources.

Sri Lanka aims to become an energy self-sufficient nation, drawing on renewable energy sources locally by 2030. The Government's vision for Sri Lanka's energy sector also includes generating additional 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy for consumption by 2035, and excess energy for export to neighbors, including India, by 2050.

The Government of Nepal signed the Framework Agreement for Energy+ Cooperation with the Government of Norway, the Government of Denmark, the Asian Development Bank and United Nations Development Program to contribute toward the actual implementation of the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative (SE4ALL).